The Global Threat of Kidnappings

June 12, 2015 marks one year since terrorists kidnapped Eyal Yifrach (19), Gil-ad Shaar (16) and Naftali Fraenkel (16). This horrific incident is one of many, and represents the rising global threat of kidnappings as a tactic of choice for terror organizations.

In the last year alone, terrorists have kidnapped more than 1,000 people from around the world. These include citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Philippines, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Yemen, and Iraq who were kidnapped by radical terrorist organizations such as ISIS, Boko Haram, Hamas, Abu Sayyaf, and Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. Kidnappings are a brutal form of terror and psychological warfare. They leave the loved ones of the kidnapped in a state of uncertainty and exploit their despair for terror gains. Kidnappings propagate a media buzz instilling fear, hysteria, and anxiety in societies worldwide.

Palestinian Incitement and the Kidnapping Threat in Israel

Palestinian incitement of kidnappings and terrorist activity poses an ongoing security challenge. A prominent example of this incitement is illustrated by the 2014 kidnapping and murder of the three Israeli teenagers, which was celebrated on social media platforms and in Palestinian society. This mindset continues to play a dominant role. A group of kindergarteners in Anabta, located near Tulkarm, was recently filmed by Palestinian television celebrating their graduation wearing army uniforms, parading with guns and calling for violence against Israel. In February 2015, the ISA (Israel Security Agency) apprehended a PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) terror cell that was planning a kidnapping and additional terror attacks. In May 2015, the commander of Hamas’ military wing in Judea and Samaria, Abdullah Barghouti, called for further kidnappings of Israelis. According to ISA reports, between January 2013 and June 2014, Israel foiled 64 planned kidnappings.

The IDF (Zahal) remains committed to preventing kidnappings of Israelis and continues to implement measures to safeguard Israeli lives. We stand side by side with the nations of the world in calling for an end to this brutal terror tactic.